Camp Shoes are Hiking Boots’ Best Friends: How to Choose

Camp shoes are not just for relaxing, but can be used for river crossings to keep your boots dry.

Many backpackers carry camp shoes or water shoes with them on backpacking trips for relaxing and for stream crossings to keep their boots dry. But how do you choose between the most popular camp shoes available like Crocs, Sockwas, Vivobarefoot Ultras, or flip flops? Here are the most important features to consider.

light weight, since you have to carry them

compact and easy to pack

protect your toes from injury

stable enough for stream crossings

dry quickly

Lightweight camp shoes

If you’re trying to cut the amount of weight you carry in a backpack, you’re not going to want to carry a pair of camp shoes like Crocs, that weigh close to 16 ounces a pair. Shoot for shoes that weigh under 8-10 ounces/pair like.

Compact camp shoes

Some camp shoes can be very bulky to pack in a backpack. Ideally you want a pair with very soft side walls that will fold flat against the sole so you can pack them inside your pack. Hanging camp shoes on the outside of your backpack is awkward and a good way to lose them when they get ripped off by overhanging vegetation. Flip flops like pack very flat or the ultralight

Vivobarefoot Ultra II

Camp shoes that protect your toes

If you backpacks in areas with a lot of stones or tree roots, it’s important to get camp shoes that will protect you from stubbing your toes. A broken toe can take you off the trail for weeks and can take a surprisingly long time to fully heel without pain (like 6 months to a year). Look for camp shoes with front padding or toe kick protection like or , for the ultimate toe kick protection.

Camp shoes for stream crossings

If you want to use your camp shoes for stream crossings, you’re going to want a shoe that’s not going to come off mid-stream and that’s going to provide good stability when you can’t see your feet underwater. Look for shoes with a closed heel and ones that close with laces or a velcro strap that helps provide better ankle stability and control like or the

Sockwa G Hi

Camp shoes that dry quickly

If you cross stream in your camp shoes or decided to wear them instead of boots in the pouring rain (when the trail is a stream), you’ll want shoe that dry quickly. Mesh, plastic, or neoprene camp shoes are the best in this regard, like the or the .

Are camp shoes really necessary for backpacking?

It depends on personal preferences, your other gear choices, and the environmental conditions of your hike. For example, if you wear heavy hiking boots when backpacking, having a pair of camp shoes for relaxing in at night or crossing streams is often worth the extra weight of carrying them. But if you hike in mesh trail runners that dry quickly after getting wet, you can often get by without them if it’s warm enough at night. It really is a matter of taste.

Written 2016. Updated 2018.

Do you bring camp shoes on backpacking trips? Which ones?

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58 comments

When I take any, I currently use a pair of Merrell trail running shoes that weigh 525 gms for the pair (at size 12) which is more than I would like, but it is hard to get accurate weight info from the different mfg’s. Especially for products not specifically marketed to backpackers :-)

The Merrell trailrunning shoes (also in size 12) are actually my main pair of hiking shoes:) I find the lack of support (even in rough mountainous areas) is preferable to the increase in weight (for instance, no camp shoes required either although the luxury keeps tempting me). But mind you, i’ve not been on longer trips than 2 weeks at a time. If the Merrels are your extra shoes, what are your main shoes if i may ask?

Last year I bought a pair of Columbia Men’s Techsun™ Vent Sandals. Velcro closure straps, water drainable midsole ports, wet traction rubber, 8.1 oz. Great in camp, even on slopes, and perfect for stream crossings.

I’ve been struggling with this myself. I really like to have something to change into at the end of the day. So far everything I’ve tried is either too thin in the sole (painful to walk on sticks and rocks), too hard to put on in the middle of the night, or too bulky. My favorite to date is a bulky but light pair of knock-off croc scuffs. And the search continues!

I don’t typically bring them, but there have been multiple times I’ve wished I had, so I might start doing that! Especially in warmer weather, it’s so nice to put something on other than my boots when I’m just wandering around camp. These tips are super helpful, as most of the versions of camp shoes I’ve brought were either insufficient or too heavy. I’m going to check out a few of the models you recommended, thanks!

I use a pair of Waldies, a knock off Croc. Together they weigh about 8.5 ounces for a size medium (fits my 9.5 shoe size.) Waldies fit differently than Crocs, the Crocs slanted sharply across my toes, Waldies are a more comfortable fit for me. Does anyone know how much do the Vivo Barefoot’s weigh?

In the past I’ve brought neoprene water shoes, which seem heavier than they should be and aren’t very comfortable walking around on roots and rocks.

On my last backpacking trip I brought along my Cushe Slipper shoes which don’t seem too heavy at ~10oz for the pair in size 11. The canvas uppers allow the shoe to collapse flat and the EVA sole provides some cushion on roots and rocks. Merrell has dropped the Cushe brand but continues to sell the Merrell Slipper which appears to be the same shoe.

I carry a light duty water shoe. As much for doing birdbaths/hygiene in camp as water-crossing. Since it is for occasional use, I want it light and flat to pack. Nufoot booties with a homemade insole made out of some closed cell foam (cheap Walmart 1/2″ pad I cut up and use for stuff like this). I think the pair comes in at about 3 oz. Jump up at least one size on the Nufoot to allow room for an insole. I am large and XL was barely large enough to fit an insole. This replaces my heavier Vivobarefoot shoe but obviously the Nufoot booty will not be expected to last very long. But for occasional use, it should serve and not take up[ much room.

I also use Nufoot booties. I just put an insert from an old shoe in them. It gives just enough cushion and protection. I even hiked in them once after a severe blister incident. Almost wore a hole in the bottom but they are inexpensive to replace and they pack small and light.

I use a pair of New Balance sandals I found on clearance at REI. They weigh 19 ounces. Kinda heavy, but worth it when I get to camp and can air out my toesies. Good for fording, too. I’ve even done some light hiking in them.

I have been using a pair of Saucony Hattori shoes for the past several years. These are discontinued but can regularly be found on ebay or online discounters for under $50 (I paid $34 for new in the box. While the colors are a bit wild, I think the design / weight and features are among the best out there. They are similar to the Vibrobarefoot Ultra but are a full stretch fabric upper that is much more comfortble on the skin and does a better job keeping out grit and debris. The closure system is velcro plus there is a velcro heel adjustment that makes these a very reliable fit for water crossings or steeper terrain. The soles are soft EVA foam with harder wear pads molded into the sole on the heel and ball of the foott.

The design allows these to be as compact as a pair of flip flops. My size 10’s weigh 8oz for the pair. If you can get over the ” look at me” colors, they are among the best camp shoe options out there.

Depending on the season, I will carry a pair of Rainbow sandals or a pair of New Balance MT110 trail runners. I wear sandals to work and on weekends until the morning temps drop into the 50s (even then I’ll put on some tabi until it’s in the 40s when I walk to work), and I just carry my city behavior over to camp. At a pinch under 16 oz for the trail runners, I prefer the sandals whenever I can get away with them.

I never used to worry about camp shoes as where I lived was so-o-o-o very cold with water temperatures rarely above 2/3 degrees, Now in more a temperate climate I find a spare footwear very useful. In winter nothing beats a pair of down boots with a chamois leather sole added and for summer a have settled on a pair of beach paddling shoes. These are light weight will roll up or scrunch up in an odd corner of my pack, have sticky soles for river crossings and are soft enough to not harm the tent floor etc. With the velcro straps they are firmly fixed to my feet too.

I love my keens. I’m not sure of the style but they are a little heavier but I don’t mind. I use them to hike in as well. I’ve had great luck on all terrain due to the toe protector and extra heel support. (I’ve only been in creeks though, no rapid moving or deeper water crossings.

I have been using the Vivobarefoot and they work out well. Very light, and enough sole strength to be protective. I also have a second set with a neoprene “build in” sock (removable) that is good on shoulder season or when pack rafting, etc.

I always bring camp shoes with me – there’s nothing better than releasing your feet after whole day in hiking shoes. I typically bring very light flip flops, I had a pair of neoprene boat shoes but they were too heavy and took forever to dry.

In warmer weather, I opt for flip flops (for around camp, not for hiking or stream crossing). But when the nights get chilly enough, I find myself wanting warmer feet, and I can’t comfortably wear socks with flip flops like some folks apparently can. Maybe I’ll give Crocs a shot, or just skip the camp shoe altogether if the weather is too cold for flip flops.

I use Merrell Barefoot shoes. They meet all my needs for camp, water crossings, and you can hike in them if you absolutely need to (not ideal, they are lowtops so not alot of ankle support and terrain will beat up your feet as they have a thin sole and tread). They are lightweight, sturdy, comfortable, and dry quickly. I usually secure them on the back of my pack and go!

Most recently a pair of Merrel barefoot shoes that my son outgrew. This summer I might move a particularly lightweight pair of New Balance running shoes that I’ve had for a few years to this purpose for a backpack in Iceland with some significant river crossings.

I used a $7 pair of OP flips from Walmart during my AT thru-hike last year. They suck on hills, so I’d fill up water before I put them on at camp. Super light. Maybe 3 oz? I’ll do the same next thru hike.

I notice Joe Valesko of Zpacks uses Teva Grecko Sandals with NRS Hydroskin Socks, ALL THE TIME! Even in the snow! Imagine what his feet look like. Flip flops can be pretty risky on stream crossings, they tend to wash away in the current leaving you stranded with bruised soles.

I just wear my hiking shoes with bread bags over my feet inside my shoes – too many very poisonous critters in Western Australia to chance wearing anything else, especially when foraging forth for a night time pee break.

I hike in trail runners so no problem or delay with stream crossings. For easy slip- on minimal protection (midnight nature calls and to keep feet/socks clean) I bring an old pair of Sealskinz socks with the tops cut down to just above ankle height— 2 oz. for the pair.

I have started using Bedrock sandals for camp shoes. They are very light. Pack down to nothing ( usually I carabiner them to my pack ) they work well for stream crossings and you can hike in them in a pinch. They are not cheap in either sense but they are made in America and the company provides great customer service. No, I don’t work for BR but when I find a good product backed up by good people I like to acknowledge them when I can.

I will never again backpack without a pair of camp shoes. When I backpacked with just hiking boots, my feet smelled to high heaven when it was finally time to crawl inside of my sleeping bag. I couldn’t stand the smell of my own feet! I didn’t want them in my sleeping bag with the rest of me. It is important to have my toes covered as I hike in rocky/rooty places. I need something easy to slip on when I have to leave my tent in the wee hours of the morning. (Get it? Wee?). I haven’t found anything better than crocs. Flip-flops aren’t good at all.

Men’s Hounds Ultralite Shoes from Amazon. Also branded as Doggers from CVS drugs where I first found them for about $14. All rubber aerated shoe with a velcro strap and total weight of 8.6 oz for both shoesl in a size 10/11. Great alternative for me since I have narrow feet and tend to walk out of anything without a strap or tie.

I carry my Chaco Z1s for dry conditions where I expect I may have water crossings. The strap system is stable in moving water, they have great traction in both wet and dry, and my feet really like them. They are heavy though..

For trips where I expect not only water crossing but wet foliage in camp I take a pair of neoprene low-cut kayaking shoes. The soles are gripping in water, but not as grippy on rock when out of the water. Also, they keep my feet warm even if everything else is wet. I actually like these best for water crossing because they cushion my toes from rock encounters and don’t load up with pebbles in moving water.

My ultralight go-to is an old pair of Sperry water shoes, the classic Aqua Sock motif with an extra velcro strap to help keep them on. Just enough cush for tired feet, good traction for wet rocks. Annoying in dry conditions because they let dust and debris in, yet seem resistant to letting the stuff back out. These are the lightest and most compact in a pack.

My camp shoes for many years have been simple Crocs. When I stop for the night the boots come straight off and the Crocs straight on. But river crossings, and I’ve done thousands of these, are always in my hiking boots….In Crocs or the like, NEVER!

At home and car camping, I often wear Crocs because they’re so comfortable. After my recent back surgery, I wore a fluffy sock and Croc on my right foot for two months because the nerve pain in my foot forbid any regular shoe. At the Kingdom Hall, I told everyone it was my dress Croc.

I tried a pair of Crocs for a stream crossing one time and my feet slipped all over the place inside them. They even do that if I put them on right out of a shower before I’m completely dry. There’s no way I’d use them again for stream crossings. I have some different types of shoes designed for water use but only don them when car camping near a lake. When hiking, it will just be my trail runners and then walk them dry.

Although I’d love Crocs as a camp shoe, I always decide against carrying the extra weight. My trail runners aren’t hard to put on if I need to get up for a pit stop overnight. In my tent, I give my feet a break by putting on my dry, still fluffy extra pair of socks.

I use the Innov8 286 GTX for hiking. There is no weight penalty for the extra height and it helps to keep debris out of the shoes. Although they feel like a light glove around my feet, after ten hours walking I want something else. The lightest campshoes I could find are the Sockwa G4’s at 186 grams for a pair (size 10) and they also perform double duty for river crossings, swimming on pebble beaches or showering in showers that look suspiciously dirty.

Check out Hounds shoes, a pseudo ripoff Croc you can buy at Walgreens. Men’s pair size 9-11 is < 8oz. I always like the camp shoe convenience but hated the 12oz. Croc weight. These somehow make me feel better in my mind…!

Pro Tip: cross streams in your socks. They grip the rocks like crazy. When done, ring them out and hang them on the outside of your pack, and put on the dry socks that you carried across the stream and which are still dry because you didn’t slip.

Then you need to carefully clean the debris off the fabric of your socks after, or the debris will rub you all day long when you wear them in shoes. I have had one tiny dirt that rubbed my foot yet I can’t get it off. It took multiple stops and careful inspection. It was just one piece. Imagine that trouble multiplied by dozens. If you don’t need the protection of rubber soles, you may as well cross stream barefooted.

I picked up a pair of Arc’teryx Bora2 GTX hiking boots for this exact reason – the hiking boot liner is removable and doubles as a camp shoe. No time at all to break them in, waterproof, and I can throw the liner in the wash separately. Kind of pricey, but worth it and you can buy replacements or warmer versions as needed.

Camp shoes are a luxuary? I don’t think so. After many years I have sttled on a pair of “Body Glove” beach shoes. They are light, have an otopus like suction cup sole ideal for river crossings, dry very quickely and are comfortable in a shelter or round camp, they are remarkably warm in winter too. My pair are about 8 years old and will possibly be good for the rest of my tramping days. before this I had a pair of neoprene dive boots, light and good for river crossings but super hot in camp and did not breath!